Using Kahoot as a Gamified Learning Approach to Enhance Classroom Engagement and Reduce Test Anxiety

Technology infusion with education is gaining momentum as a novelty to keep students engaged and motivated throughout their learning process. Students' engagement in the classroom is central to their academic achievement. However, test anxiety can affect the academic performance and achievements of the students. Thus, in this study, we examined whether teaching and assessment through Kahoot! enhances classroom engagement and improves test anxiety. A quasi-experimental design was employed with a total of 40 Grade 9 students from a public school situated in Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Engagement and test anxiety were measured using standardized scales, and analyzed using correlation, regression, and t-tests in SPSS v25. Findings revealed that Kahoot! positively predicted student engagement and negatively predicted test anxiety. A significant mean difference between the experimental and control group found the experimental group exhibited higher scores on engagement and lower scores on test anxiety. A significant mean difference of gender was found whereby females exhibited high scores than males on engagement and no significant difference on test anxiety. The findings of the study suggest that Kahoot! can be implemented in schools to enhance the students' engagement and decrease their test anxiety.